Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Ignacio Cervantes

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: El Paso Locomotive earn first pro win after blanking Ventura County FC

by

Graphic: Frank Lanham

History was made by El Paso Locomotive FC in its 3-0 win over Ventura County FC that ended with 20 players on the field.

The Locos are US Open Cup third rounders for the first time following an experienced performance on the road that included early set-piece goals by Daniel Carter and Tony Alfaro at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium in Carson, Calif. on Wednesday.

Jason Bucknor was sent off for VCFC just after half an hour when the midfielder collected a second yellow card in 5 minutes — leaving the hosts a man down with a 2-goal deficit.

“We’re a professional team and professional players that have been playing for much longer,” Locos captain Eric Calvillo, who played in the competition for Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes in 2019, said. “We’re more experienced and we wanted to demonstrate that and I think that’s what we did.”

Locomotive goalkeeper Sebastian Mora-Mora saved both of Ventura’s attempts on target to help collect the shutout after a tame display from VCFC’s offense who missed Aaron Bibout’s clinical finishing.

The forward was sold to Swedish second division side Vasteras SK one week after scoring a hat-trick in the tournament’s first round.

Before his goal, Alfaro found himself at the center of contribution during the game’s first goal.

His headed flick at the near post from a corner kick after 17 minutes trickled toward the back-post and toward the goal before Carter helped the ball beyond the line.

A minute before the half hour mark, Alfaro got his turn to celebrate by doubling Locomotive’s lead when VCFC goalkeeper James Marcinkowski’s miss-judged punch attempt left the defender with a gaping goal with the ball at his feet from close range that could not be blocked.

“One of the threats that they have is set-pieces,” VCFC head coach Matt Taylor admitted about the early set-piece goals. “Being a younger, less-experienced team it’s something we wanted to really focus on.

“The first two goals were both set pieces and before you know it the game hasn’t even settled in yet and we’re down 2-0 and chasing.”

The inexperience trickled from set-piece situations into the discipline side of the game when Bucknor — who had already collected a yellow card for arguing — followed up what he felt was a no-call from the referee against his favor with a clumsy tackle that got a second yellow and a sending off.

Locomotive went into the half with a 2-goal lead and enjoyed 30 minutes enjoying the man-advantage before Alfaro joined Bucknor for an early shower after collecting his second caution.

Taylor made substitutions after being brought to even strength, but Locomotive’s pair of substitutes Andy Cabrera and Roberto Avila combined for the game’s third goal.

“It’s our second win in the Open Cup,” Calvillo said. “Win in the cup is history.

“It’s another round for us, another big win and the team is feeling great.”

To find out its next opponent, Calvillo and company will be featured in the Round 3 draw which is set for Thursday, April 3 at 1 p.m. EST.

The 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round 3 will take place the week of April 15-16.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Bibout’s hat trick powers Ventura County FC past Laguna United FC

by

Luis Muller of Ventura County FC avoids the Laguna United FC goalkeeper in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Ventura County FC
Luis Muller of Ventura County FC avoids the Laguna United FC goalkeeper in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Ventura County FC

Aaron Bibout scored the first hat trick of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to help Ventura County FC (VCFC) in a 7-0 win over Laguna United FC at the Sports Dignity Health Park Track & Field Facility.

Luis added a goal and three assists while VCFC — formerly known as LA Galaxy II — overwhelmed Laguna United to advance to America’s oldest soccer tournament’s Second Round.

Yousef Farah’s miss from close range two minutes from halftime while VCFC led 2-0 sealed the visitor’s fate before the hosts separated itself in a lopsided second half.

A pair of assists by Muller before the break paved the way while Ascel Essengue and Jason Bucknor added to VCFC’s tally.

Defender Essengue got the game’s first goal after 18 minutes when Muller’s corner kick attempt found the center back who used a first-timed, toe-poke to squeeze the ball past Laguna United defender Tiago Aranibar and goalkeeper Hector Flores.

Bibout added VCFC’s second goal four minutes from the break following a fine set-up cross by Muller which ended with the former blasting past Flores from just inside the 6-yard-box after an elusive first-touch opened the space.

The teams went into the break with Ventura in a 2-0 lead after Farah’s rushed attempt in front of goal kept the visitors from closing the deficit before Bibout added his second goal seven minutes after the restart from a corner kick that fell kindly for him to volley beyond Flores.

Bibout capped-off his night after 68 minutes with the tournament’s first hat trick with his third conversion from a volley before Bucknor and Muller piled on the trouble for Laguna United.

On Muller’s goal, Vincent Garcia became one of the competition’s youngest players (in the Modern Era) to provide an assist (14 years, 8 months, 23 days). TheCup.us is working on confirming if he is, in fact, the youngest.

Bibout became the 74th player in the Modern Era to score a hat trick but he’s the first Cameroon-born player to do so.

Laguna United defender Ben Nicholson’s night went from bad to worse when a cross into the box by VCFC’s Bucknor deflected off the Laguna man and into his own net.

VCFC will face El Paso Locomotive FC in the Second Round at the DHSP Track & Field Stadium on April 2 for a chance to appear in the Third Round which takes place April 15-16.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: LAFC dominates from start to finish with 7-1 win over FC Arizona

by

Players from LAFC 2 celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Arizona in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC 2
Players from LAFC 2 celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Arizona in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC 2

In this year’s edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC 2 has been tasked with representing defending champions, and parent club, Los Angeles FC.

In the first round, The Black and Gold reserves felt the responsibility ahead, but managed to coast to a 7-1 win over FC Arizona from the National Premier Soccer League at Titan’s Stadium in Fullerton, Calif.

“It’s a big responsibility on us,” said LAFC 2 midfielder Bryan Moyado, who featured in this competition with the first team two years ago. “But everyone’s up to the challenge.

“We have a strong group and everyone knows that if we all fight together we’re going to make a good run and defend our championship.”

Tommy Mihalic, who was revealed as a new signing five days ago, opened his LAFC 2 account in fashion with a pair of assist and goal while Sebastian Nava and Jude Terry also shined.

FC Arizona midfielder Gabriel Waters put the visitors on the board at the hour mark — but not before the hosts had notched four of their own beyond goalkeeper Derek Hatcher.

LAFC 2 got the scoring started early when Matthew Evans met Mihalic’s low cross with a left-footed finish from just inside the box after 89 seconds.

Before The Black and Gold extended its lead, the visitors managed to create an opportunity to equalize through Jesse Maldonado.

His give-and-go with Waters led the former into the box with a clear chance at goal which resulted in a shot that whistled just wide of the post.

“I think I’m not going to sleep tonight or maybe a couple of days because of that,” FC Arizona head coach Alejandro Aguilar said. “That lapse, we started to control the game a little bit for seven minutes.

We had that chance and suddenly they break us and they score the second goal.”

FCA’s best passage of play came during the time between LAFC 2’s first and second goals — the second came after 27 minutes when Terry laced a shot on target from distance that went straight at Hatcher who should have done better at keeping the ball out of the net.

The goal was assisted by Mihalic and marked the 16-year-old’s first goal as a professional, setting The Black and Gold up for a commanding final 15 minutes in the first half.

Mihalic added to his pair of assists just before the break with a goal from close range.

Alex Hughes’ attempt on goal was saved by Hatcher, but only as far as Mihalic who pounced on the rebound to slash it into the net for a 3-0 lead at halftime.

“Even when we were 3-0 up at halftime,” LAFC 2 head coach Junior Gonzalez said. “I was not as happy with our defensive structure and some of our pressure.

“They had some good chances and good combination play where I think they could have scored one or two in the first half — in the second half we sheared that up a little bit and I was happy that the players were able to take the information and change behaviors in the second half.”

Terry added his second three minutes after the break with a clinical, first-time shot from just inside the box to put the hosts 4-0 up before Waters’ opener for FCA.

Evans got his second after 65 minutes from a snap-shot that beat Hatcher — who saved nine of LAFC 2’s 16 shots on target.

Nava added the game’s seventh goal with 8 minutes remaining and substitute Kairo Walters finished off LAFC 2’s scoring in stoppage time.

“It’s a special scenario,” Gonzalez said. “where our second team is defending the cup that the first team earned last season so we made sure the players knew the history of the open cup and how important it is for football in our country. And it’s a privilege that the club allowed us to compete in it.”

The Black and Gold will have to wait for the announcement from US Soccer for its next opponent in the Second Round which is set to be played between April 1-2.

 

2024 US Open Cup: Cristian Olivera of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

by

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images | Graphic: Phil Naegely

In one of the closest votes in recent memory, Cristian Olivera of Los Angeles FC was narrowly voted the 2024 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament after leading his club to its first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

With each first place vote receiving three points and second place votes getting one each, Olivera won the award by a single point over LAFC teammate Timothy Tillman. Dembor Benson of El Farolito SC, the winner of the Lower Division Player of the Tournament award, finished third, just six points behind Olivera.

The Player of the Tournament award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Olivera helped LAFC win the club’s first US Open Cup title with a team-leading three goals and one assist.

The Uruguayan came off the bench in the 67th minute in the Final and assisted on what would prove to be the championship winning goal in extra time by Omar Campos in the 102nd minute.

That was the second time Olivera came off the bench in a 1-1 contest to score  — the first was in a 27-minute cameo on the road in the Round of 32 match against the Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship). They would win the match, 3-1.

Recent Player of the Tournament winners

2023: Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo)
2022: Rodrigo Lopez (Sacramento Republic)
2019: Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United)
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2017: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
2016: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)
2015: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting KC)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders)
2013: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
2012: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders)
2011: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

His pair of goals rescued the Black and Gold who found themselves struggling to find a go-ahead goal after both teams scored early in the second half.

The close-range, tap-in goal from defender Omar Campos’ cross gave LAFC the lead with 20 minutes left while his second tally in stoppage time cooled off any threats of a late equalizer and guaranteed his side a place in the next round.

Up next in the Round of 16 for Olivera and LAFC was a second USL outfit, Loudoun United. The winger featured in the team’s starting 11 and began the game with a contribution on the game’s first goal.

After eight minutes the winger’s sneaky cross through the face of goal found Tillman in acres of space at the back post to tap in from close range.

Olivera doubled LAFC’s lead after forward Denis Bouanga set up his Uruguayan teammate to cap-off a darting run that started in the Black and Gold’s defensive third.


While he did not play in the 3-1 home win over New Mexico United in the Quarterfinals, he started and played 68 minutes in LAFC’s narrow 1-0 road win over Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).

Olivera is the third Uruguayan player to win an award from TheCup.us. He joins Orlando City’s Facundo Torres who was the Player of the Round for the 2022 US Open Cup Final and Diego Rossi of LAFC who won Player of the Round for the 2018 Semifinals, despite not advancing.

 

2024 US Open Cup Final: Omar Campos of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

by

2024 us open cup final player of the round
Graphic by Phil Naegely

For his late heroics in Los Angeles FC’s 3-1 extra time win over Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Omar Campos has been selected TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The left-foot-dominant defender’s unpredictable right-footed finish that curled beyond Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia earned the Black and Gold its first etch onto the Dewar Challenge Trophy.

“Truly it was a lovely moment to see the people scream,” Campos added. “For everyone to get up — it was something very emotional to me.”

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo opted for the defender 67 minutes into a final that saw Black and Gold forward Olivier Giroud put the hosts in front eight minutes into the second half before midfielder Erik Thommy leveled the scoring for the Wizards after an hour of play.

With three minutes remaining before the end of the first extra time, Campos found himself in unfamiliar territory.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

“Omar has been fantastic not just because the goal,” Cherundolo said following LAFC’s 1-0 win over St. Louis City SC on Wednesday. “Defensively he broke up a lot of plays. His positioning has been much, much better. He’s understanding covering width, but also, he’ll shoulder up the center back at the same time which means your positioning is perfect, and yeah he’s improving before our eyes and that’s a great sign.”

Campos’ move started at the touchline. He noticed forward Cristian Olivera drag two defenders away from goal so his decision to turn his run forward into the inside of the field became the key step in what happened next.

“I’m always near the wings,” Campos admitted about his unusual choice to take up space centrally. “I’ve never tried to hit it with my right, but it was something that in the moment I didn’t hesitate to shoot.”

Olivera noticed the left-back and released him with a pass that led the goalscorer toward the top of the box. After ghosting past midfielder Zorhan Bassong and setting his hips, Campos’ shot whipped around defender Robert Castellanos and past the goalkeeper for LAFC’s game-winning goal that got the Black and Gold over the hump after failing to win in each of its last three finals appearances.

“It was actually the first time I’ve seen him strike the ball with his right foot since he’s got here,” Cherundolo said. “He is somebody who is technically very good in possession.

“Can beat you one-v-one. These are the things we show him weekly, ask him to do daily.”

His five duels won led all substitute players while his three of four successful dribbles was the highest success rate of all players that attempted two or more dribbles.

Campos’ emergence on the LAFC left side has allowed Cherundolo to adjust his backline that will look to move defender Ryan Hollinshead into the right side of a back three after the Black and Gold have used the latter on the left side of a line of four defenders.

2024 TheCup.us Player of the Round
FINAL: Omar Campos (LAFC)
SEMIFINALS: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
Q-FINALS: Augustine Williams (Indy Eleven)
RD. 5: Kieran Phillips (Sacramento Republic)
RD. 4: Zico Bailey (New Mexico United)
RD. 3: Stefano Pinho (Birmingham Legion)
RD. 2: Dembor Benson (El Farolito SC)
RD. 1: Kyle Bennett (FORO SC)

With three games remaining in Major League Soccer’s regular season before MLS Cup Playoffs begin, Cherundolo has some time to figure out how Campos and his latest formation can help LAFC succeed in the postseason.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history. 

Campos beat out a pair of teammates for the award. Kei Kamara, who came off the bench and scored the third goal in the match, finished second, followed by LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who made four saves in the championship game.

Campos’ win is just the third time since 2006 that a defender has won the award for the Final. He joins last year’s winner Griffin Dorsey (Houston Dynamo FC), and Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) in 2012.

2024 US Open Cup Final: LAFC needs OT to beat Sporting KC, win first USOC trophy

by

Los Angeles FC celebrates after a 3-1 extra time win over Sporting KC in the 2024 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

On the back of three straight finals losses in three different competitions, Los Angeles FC needed to bounce back after losing its lead in regulation to beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in overtime at BMO Stadium on Wednesday.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

The spark in the Black and Gold’s offense came from substitute defender Omar Campos — his crunching tackle, which earned him a yellow card five minutes after he was introduced in the 67th minute, sparked the crowd while his five duels won led all substitute players.

“This team showed tonight the character and personality when you’re ready to face difficulties,” LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said. “When you’re ready to step up for the big moments like tonight, it means a lot.

“Now it’s the moment to enjoy.”

With four minutes remaining in the first period of extra time, Campos capped off his valiant performance with a title-deciding goal that any forward would be proud of.

Campos collected a pass in stride from forward Cristian Olivera that freed him up at the edge of the box and resulted with a curling shot that beat SKC goalkeeper, and two-time winner of the Cup with the Wizards, Tim Melia.

This was LAFC’s first time in an Open Cup final while SKC lost its first championship game in the competition after winning its first four appearances (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017). LAFC becomes the 16th California club to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 109-year history, and the 11th Los Angeles-based club.

The game’s first goal came early in the second half when LAFC forward Olivier Giroud found himself in space and found the net with a tap-in goal.

Controversy rose upon the restart when the Video Assistant Referee took time to look for a foul in the lead up as well as a possible offside by LAFC forward Mateus Bogusz.

LAFC defender Maxime Chanot picked the pocket of SKC midfielder Erik Thommy in the center circle which resulted with Bogusz streaking toward the goal with Giroud ready to sweep home.

Two extra time goals by Omar Campos and Kei Kamara delivered Los Angeles FC the club's first US Open Cup title with a 3-1 win over Sporting KC.
Olivier Giroud of LAFC celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Sporting KC in the 2024 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images

Thommy remained on the ground while Bogusz beat Melia to the ball and passed across to a wide open Giroud for the goal.

After review, the goal stood and Giroud earned his second goal in a final for LAFC.

“I stayed onside,” Giroud said about his goal. “And Matty did really well and I was so happy to score another goal in a final and to help the team.”

“We’re so happy for our fans and ourselves and our families.”

The goal for the hosts was a good omen for a team itching to lift a cup after three consecutive disappointments — in the Modern Era (since 1995) the home team’s record in the final after scoring first was 14-2.

Thommy got his revenge seven minutes later when his run into the box went unmarked which allowed him to power a shot from SKC midfielder Daniel Salloi’s drop-back pass past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for the equalizer.

The match went on to finish 1-1 after regular time and, in the extra 30 minutes, Campos and LAFC forward Kei Kamara made sure the Black and Gold faithful would go home happy.

Kamara, who scored a penalty in regular time as well as in the deciding shootout as a part of the SKC team that were crowned champions in 2012, secured LAFC the win with 11 minutes remaining on a powerful header that Melia had no chance to reach.

“It’s one of those where I have to be honest I was a little nervous coming into this game,” said Kamara who has seven career US Open Cup goals. ”It’s one of those where you look at your history and the only trophy I’ve won was the US Open Cup and today was a special day to play against the team that I won that trophy with.

“And a bit nervous to feel like ‘is it going to happen?’ Or is it one of those where you just get there and it doesn’t happen? I’m just glad we were able to finish the game and be able to say we won the cup.”

SKC finished extra time with zero shots on target despite taking the lion’s share of possession during the additional 30 minutes.

Up next for LAFC and SKC is the run-in for Major League Soccer’s regular season.

The Wizards have three meaningless matches remaining since they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention while LAFC have five games to climb the table and tune-up before 2024 MLS Cup playoffs begin.

 

2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: LAFC pulls away from New Mexico United in battle of MLS, USL front-runners

by

David Martinez of LAFC battles for the ball with a New Mexico United defender in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

For the second time in its history, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC is in a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinal.

With goals by Timothy Tillman, David Martinez, and Mateusz Bogusz, LAFC earned a 3-1 home win over USL Championship side New Mexico United at BMO Stadium. The Black and Gold advance to the final four where they will trave face fellow MLS side Seattle Sounders FC.

“We jumped just as high as we needed to tonight,” head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “We just cleared the bar.”

“But certainly we can play better.”

After leading 2-0 at halftime, United’s Greg Hurst cut LAFC’s lead in half 12 minutes after the restart to spark the visitors and make things difficult for The Black and Gold who sweated out a lackluster second half. Now, the top team in the MLS Western Conference is back in the Semifinals for the first time since their inaugural season in 2018.

LAFC were able to set the tempo into cruise control early after Tillman continued his goal-contributing form in the tournament.

When United goalkeeper Alexandros Tambakis parried away Bogusz’s attempt, the ball fell kindly for Tillman — the midfielder made no mistake and slammed home the game’s first goal in the 6th minute.

With two goals and an assist, Tillman has a goal contribution in each of LAFC’s three cup matches.

“It took a little more patience,” Tillman said. “But we managed the game really well.”

The hosts continued to keep their foot on the gas and doubled their lead 30 minutes later when 18-year-old Martinez, who was making his first LAFC start, used two attempts to get the ball beyond Tambakis and into the net.

With a through ball by Bogusz, the forward slipped into the box and pounced on his own rebound to slam the ball home after Tambakis saved the first shot back into Martinez’s path.

The 2-0 deficit did not keep the large bunch of traveling supporters from continuing its raucous atmosphere in the visitor’s section, and, 12 minutes into the second half, the fans were rewarded with a Hurst scorcher.

The forward ripped a shot from outside the box that arrowed into LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ side net to bring New Mexico United within one.

The Black and Yellow immediately added wingers Sergio Rivas and Dayonn Harris for fresh legs before, less than 10 minutes later, throwing on forward Daniel Bruce for an extra attacker.

The numbers committed forward for New Mexico United left space for Bogusz to get on the scoresheet 13 minutes from time with a long run that finished with him cutting onto his right foot and curling past Tambakis.

“We fielded a very strong team tonight,” Cherundolo, who remained silent amid questions surrounding links to the newly-vacant United State’s men’s national team, said. “Our objective was to advance and we did that so job well done.”

United bowed out after making it to the quarterfinal phase for the second time in its history. The club leads the Western Conference of USL and face Birmingham Legion FC in their next league game.

The Black and Gold will play six games before the they travel to take on the Sounders in the Semifinals the week of Aug. 27-28.

The last time LAFC reached the final four, eventual champion Houston Dynamo eliminated The Black and Gold in a penalty shootout.

2024 US Open Cup Round 5: LAFC in control throughout in 3-0 win over Loudoun United

by

Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC
Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

Los Angeles FC is into the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

A 3-0 victory over USL Championship club Loudoun United FC at BMO Stadium earned The Black and Gold a spot in the final eight of America’s oldest soccer tournament.

“The Open Cup is a very quick way to win a title,” LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman said. “That’s what we want to do.

“We want to win every single game. That’s what it’s about.”

Second half goals by Cristian Olivera and Tomas Angel followed Tillman’s eighth minute opener in a game where star forward Denis Bouanga contributed with a pair of assists.

With the win, LAFC remains undefeated against Division 2 opposition in the club’s relatively short team history (5-0-1, 1-0 PKs)

The Black and Gold withstood a tricky first half that ended with a narrow 1-0 lead.

Loudoun United head coach Ryan Martin’s defense — a backline of three center-backs and flanking wing backs on each side — stood firm for 50 minutes, but ultimately fell victim in the second half with the notorious 3252 behind them.

Tillman, who was summoned by US Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter for the national team’s 27-man training camp, put LAFC in the lead with a close-range, tap-in goal.

The start was near perfect for the hosts who figured out how to take control from the start against Loudoun United following the slow start against the Las Vegas Lights in the previous round.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

“We kind of lost our way a little bit defensively,” LAFC assistant coach Ante Razov, who filled in for the suspended head coach Steve Cherundolo following a red card against the Lights, said. “Lapses in concentration mostly.

“We tightened that up and paid attention to it the last few weeks in training, now we’re seeing it pay off.”

In the second half, Loudoun United opted to switch things up and start the half with a backline of four which helped the attack create a pair of opportunities that forced LAFC goalkeeper Abraham Romero into two saves to keep the visitors scoreless.

Moments later, Bouanga collected a pass in midfield before taking off on a lengthy run beyond four Loudoun United defenders and into the 18-yard box to lay the ball off for Olivera who dispatched beyond United goalkeeper Dane Jacomen.

Bouanga added his second assist nine minutes later.

“That play has happened a couple of times in training,” Angel, who featured in his first match as an LAFC player today and left with the game ball following his first goal, said. “I knew when he picked up his head it was the same play that’s been happening.

“So when he gave me the ball, you as a striker, you have to have the goal painted in your head and I knew right away that I had to finish rapidly and it was a goal — thanks to God.”

The live draw that will reveal the quarterfinal matchups is set for Wednesday night with the final eight meeting on July 9-10 for a chance to make the semifinal.

The Round of 16 loss for Loudoun United marks the club’s deepest run in the tournament since its inception in 2018.

After 11 games, the Red-and-White currently sit midtable in the USL Eastern Conference as a trip south of Los Angeles, down the 5 Freeway to Orange County is on the horizon for its second match at Orange County SC in 18 days on Saturday following a 2-1 Round of 32 win on May 7.

Conversely, LAFC is seven points from the top of MLS Western Conference standings with a game in hand.

Up next for The Black and Gold is a trip to Atlanta for a matchup against Atlanta United on Saturday.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Loudoun United goes coast-to-coast, beats Orange County SC, 2-1

by

Photo by Orange County SC

Loudoun United FC is into the Fifth Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time in its history.

The-Red-and-White used a pair of finishes by forward Wesley Leggett and a second-half penalty save from goalkeeper Dane Jacomen to guide them to a 2-1 win over Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif.

“We made some very good saves,” Loudoun head coach Ryan Martin said. “Big clearances, big blocks — and those little moments win and lose games and our guys made enough big plays to win us the game.”

There wasn’t a bigger play than Jacomen’s save on Orange County defender Markus Nakkim from the spot which came during the game’s most eventful period that featured an OC equalizer, a Loudoun go-ahead goal, and a foul in the box within five minutes.

Orange County started the game on the front-foot and enjoyed most of the ball’s possession throughout the first 45 minutes.

OC head coach Morten Karlsen, though, said his team wasted 45 minutes by failing to create solid opportunities with the lion’s share of ball retention in the opponent’s attack.

Midway through the first half, OC’s ineffective offense allowed Loudoun’s counter-attack to land the first haymaker. 

Against the run of play, Leggett picked up a pass at the center circle from midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar before dashing beyond two defenders and reaching the inside of the box to curl his attempt beyond OC goalkeeper Colin Shutler’s reach.

The exceptional run and finish from Leggett put the visitors in front at halftime and forced Karlsen to reach into his bench and make two substitutions before the second half

The hosts found it difficult to pierce through the Loudoun backline and ended the half without a shot on goal.

“We want to be one of the best defensive teams in the league,” Martin said. “We showed it tonight that we’re on that path.”

Replaced at halftime for OC was former Major League Soccer striker Ethan Zubak who, according to Karlsen, was a “tactical sub, performance sub.”

Cameroonian striker Thomas Amang replaced the former LA Galaxy and Nashville SC frontman and the former needed just 17 minutes to get his team-leading fourth goal of the season and equalize.

Amang tapped home from close range after wingers Bryce Jamison and Christian Sorto connected from a cross to set up the game-tying goal.

Moments later, Leggett collected his second via a defensive mishap to extinguish any momentum gathered from Amang’s goal.

“The equalizer was well deserved,” Karlsen said. “Then on our way to build momentum, we give away a goal.

“I don’t think we did ourselves any favors today in terms of winning the game.”

Leggett took advantage of OC center backs Ashton Miles and Nakkim’s failure to clear a tame pass into the box which was met by the forward with aplomb before he set himself up to beat Shutler for the second time.

Ninety seconds later, the hosts had a road back into the game when Loudoun midfield substitute Florian Valot took down OC midfielder Cameron Dunbar in the box for a penalty kick.

Nakkim, who got his first start of the season after a spell on the injured list, stepped up and had his attempt to the left saved by Jacomen.

“I was locked in on the penalty taker,” Jacomen said about his mentality during Nakkim’s attempt. “Not really feeling much pressure in the situation, just trying to do my job and help us get three points.”

It’s the second time a saved penalty by Jacomen carried Loudoun United onto the next round in this tournament. The goalkeeper’s penalty shootout save in the visitor’s third round match lifted them beyond the Richmond Kickers.

Loudoun United will travel again in the Round of 16 which is set to take place on May 21 or 22 — the winner between Los Angeles FC and Las Vegas Lights FC on Wednesday will host the Virginians.

“The guys showed that they belonged,” Martin said. “Whoever we get, it’s an honor to play in this so we’ll just keep pushing forward.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 2: Irvine Zeta takes advantage of early red card in 3-0 win over Ventura County FC

by

Players from Ventura County FC (left) and Irvine Zeta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz - mikeortizphotography.com
Players from Ventura County FC (left) and Irvine Zeta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz – mikeortizphotography.com

NISA side Irvine Zeta FC reaped the benefits of a 16th minute red card to Ventura County FC’s Nicolas Schelotto and held the MLS NEXT Pro outfit to one shot on goal in a 3-0 win at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium on Wednesday.

The Orange County side’s dominant performance earned them their second straight shutout to begin its professional era, paired with a spot in Thursday’s 10 a.m. PST draw of Round 3 in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“Games like these,” Zeta goalkeeper MItchell North said. “Getting a shutout with three goals on the road against a number of guys who are on MLS contracts, it should give the young guys so much confidence.”

The Zeta triton of Rafael Espinoza, George Almeida, and Marcel Salceda found themselves on the scoresheet to each earn their first professional goal.

Ventura County began the game with a counter-attacking approach which resulted in the hosts earning the game’s first scoring opportunity.

The hosts absorbed pressure before goalkeeper Brady Scott pounced on a tame shot and punted the ball to center forward Aaron Bibout who bundled his way into the box after a slip from Zeta center back Alex Culwell in midfield.

The forward opened to his left side for a window of space that allowed him to send a shot that ripped wide and above the goal.

Three minutes later, VCFC was left with 10 players when Schelotto’s studs were stamped on Zeta midfielder Shinya Kadono’s leg from a dangerously needless tackle.

Zeta head coach Tyler Silva said his team put themselves “in a really good position,” before the red card but definitely grew in the game following Schelotto’s ejection.

“We conceded a couple chances on the counter,” Silva said about his side’s bright start to the game before the red card. “But overall I think if we weren’t the better team, we definitely weren’t worse.”

Things got better for the visitors right before the half when midfielder Oscar Cervantes’ cross skipped past numerous defenders and found Espinoza at the back post.

The winger made no mistake in roofing his shot inside the top of the net, putting the visitors in front after 45 minutes.

Players from Ventura County FC (right) and Irvine Zeta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz - mikeortizphotography.com
Players from Ventura County FC (right) and Irvine Zeta FC battle for the ball in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Ortiz – mikeortizphotography.com

Just 16 minutes after the restart, Zeta doubled its lead.

This time Almeida stepped up with a vicious shot to the top of the goal of his own that pinged off the crossbar and beat Scott from atop the 18-yard box.

The former Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros standout was back in similar territory on the campus of CSUDH and celebrated with a scintillating finish.

VCFC’s first shot on goal came from winger Gino Vivi after 82 minutes of play — a straight-forward attempt that North safely pushed away for a corner kick.

That was as close as the hosts would get to North’s goal as Zeta tripled its initial lead with just two minutes left in regulation through a quick, counter-attacking phase.

Midfield substitutes Edgardo Artero and Salceda combined for a one-two punch that sealed Irvine’s ticket into the third round.

“We managed the game really really well,” Silva said about his team’s performance. “With the ball, without the ball.

“And we were able to find our moments to go and put the second and the third, and then control the game with the ball and just kill it out.”

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development